Techno-economic analysis of green hydrogen production by a floating solar photovoltaic system for industrial decarbonization

This study proposes a conceptual design of green hydrogen production via proton exchange membrane electrolysis powered by a floating solar photovoltaic system. The system contributes to industrial decarbonization in which hydrogen blending with natural gas is proposed as an approach to smooth the energy transition. The proposed design addresses the challenge of supplying a continuous flow-rate of green hydrogen, which is typically demanded by industrial end users. This study particularly considers a realistic area required for the installation of a floating solar photovoltaic system. To enable the green hydrogen production of 7.5 million standard cubic feet per day, the required structure includes the floating solar photovoltaic system and Li-ion batteries with the nominal capacities of 518.4 megawatts and 780.8 megawatt-hours. This is equivalent to the requirement for 1 524 765 photovoltaic modules and 3718 Li-ion batteries. The assessment confirms the technical viability of the proposed concept of green hydrogen production, transportation and blending. While the present commercialization is hindered by economics due to a high green hydrogen production cost of USD 26.95 per kg, this green hydrogen pathway is expected to be competitive with grey hydrogen produced via coal gasification and via natural gas steam reforming by 2043 and 2047, respectively.